82_930

Hello all,

I have owned 3 Porsches thus far (1982 930, 2000 Boxster, and an '01 C4 (pictured in my avatar)). I have sold my Boxster last month, I have taken a deposit on my '82 turbo, and have started advertising my C4 coupe...

I am looking to spend about $40-45k on my next car.

I have been toying with the idea of either a 996 Turbo or a Lotus Exige S

Which one would you guys go for and should I decide on the Porsche, any recommendations and advice as far as year and packages (x50) that I might be able to get in that price range?

Thanks

Byprodriver

Given your Porsche past I'm guessing a 996TT is the perfect vehicle for you & available at bargin prices also. If you value handling much more than power & this will not be your only car you may prefer a Lotus. As far as advice buy the best condition TT you can & read the Turbo forum for specifics.

Dennis C

The Lotus certainly has more of the "exotic car" wow-factor than the 996 TT, even though a 996 TT is a fairly rare car in most parts. Have you tried to sit in a Lotus yet? I've attempted to do so, but being 6'4" makes it very difficult. The 996 has much more room and is more versatile, in my opinion. I think the 996 TT is a real bargain right now, and it gives you "super car" performance at a very, very reasonable price. It's a car you can drive to work every day, and then take to the track on the weekend. I would put the Lotus more in the track car/toy category.

Get the 996 TT! I'd buy the newest one you can afford, and get an X51 or a Turbo S if you can find it.

Hardback

Curious why you havnt considered a 996 GT3? They are selling around $50,000 now. If you werent considering a Lotus I wouldnt ask but the Lotus is small and uncomfortable compared to your 996.

dotframe

Another vote for a GT3 if you will spending any time at the track.

abiazis

993 C4S

82_930

I was aware of an X50 package, what is an X51?

Also, I'd love to get a GT3, but I am looking to spend closer to $40k than $50k

You are right about the "wow factor" with the Lotus, that is kind of what is attracting me. I drove an Elise (which is very similar, especially the Spartan interior). I am only 5' 8 1/2" and 155 lbs, so fitting in it is easy. Another thing that attracted me was the Toyota (maintenance free) engine. I think it is actually a Camry engine which is very proven.

Although the Turbo has AWD...

Turkertwo

I second the GT3 idea. Any additional outlay at purchase will be returned in resale value down the line. I think the performance focus of the GT3 will help it retain value with Porscheophiles as compared with the more luxury oriented Turbo models, most of which seem loaded with every option. I know the cars share many mechanical subsystems, but they are perceived as very different animals by their fan bases. It come down to your style, are you a point and squirt kind of guy, or a do you like to carry max speed through each corner?

Dennis C

X51 = the brain fart package. I meant X50.

Barn996

Or you could blame it on the altitude Dennis.

Dennis C

I could blame lots of things on that! I think I'm probably adapted by now...